Heat transition: public engagement strategic framework

Annex A: Overview Of Current Insights On Public Attitudes To Net Zero and Heat Decarbonisation

Indicator: Concern for Climate Change and Heat Transition

Conclusions: High level of recognition and value placed on the need for climate action

Evidence:

• 85% agree CC is one of the most important issues that need to be addressed
• 84% agree everyone will need to adopt EE and clean heating measures

Source:

Nesta (2021) – UK survey, representative sample, 5k

Evidence:

• 80% concerned about climate change

Source:

Ofgem (2021) –  Survey of GB energy consumers, base sample 4.3k

Evidence:

• 76% of respondents are “very” or “quite” concerned about climate change

Source:

ClimateXChange (2023) – Scotland survey, representative sample 1.6k

Evidence:

• Climate change ranked the 3^rd most important policy issue to respondents

Source:

Scottish Government (2022) – Scotland survey, representative sample, 1.7k

Evidence:

• 90% say it is “quite” or “very” important to make full transition to greener heating

Source:

BEIS (2020) – GB survey, representative sample 2.9k; workshops 134

Indicator: Understanding Fossil Fuel Heating Impacts on Climate

Conclusions: Low-to-Medium level Scottish population climate literacy concerning heat

Evidence:

• 46% correctly identified heating/cooling as one of the three highest contributors to UK carbon emissions
• 28% of those using mains gas still believe their system is environmentally friendly

Source:

BEIS (2020) - GB survey, base sample 2.9k; workshops 134

Evidence:

• 20% correctly identified having renewable heating in their homes as the third most impactful ‘green’ action they can take

Source:

Scottish Government (2022) – Scotland survey, representative sample, 1.7k

Evidence:

• 67% of respondent’s self-report having some awareness of the need to change how we heat our homes and buildings

Source:

ClimateXChange (2023) – representative sample, Scotland 1.6k

Evidence:

• 87% of respondents were aware of the need to change the way homes are heated to reach (UK Government) net zero targets

Source:

DESNZ (2023) – UK Summer 2023 Public Attitudes Tracker, representative sample 3.9k

Indicator: Awareness and Understanding of clean heating Technologies

Conclusions: Medium levels of awareness and self-reported knowledge of clean heating functioning

Evidence:

• 51% of respondents aware of ASHP / GSHP
• Of which, 41% respondents self-report having a “good understanding” of how ASHP/GSHP work

Source:

Energy Saving Trust (2021) –  Scotland survey, base sample 1k

Evidence:

• 15% of respondents have not heard of any of the most common types of clean heating systems
• 47% of respondents aware of air source heat pumps
• 25% of respondents aware of heat networks

Source:

ClimateXChange (2023) – Scotland survey, representative sample, 1.6k

Evidence:

• 55% of respondents self-reported having only a little or hardly any knowledge of low-carbon heating systems

Source:

DESNZ (2023) – UK Summer 2023 Public Attitudes Tracker, representative sample 3.9k

Indicator: Intention to Act / Install

Conclusions: Low levels of willingness and intent to act

Evidence:

• 23% of owner occupiers without clean heating say they will install in future

Source:

Ofgem (2021) – Survey of GB energy consumers, base sample 4.3k

Evidence:

• 18% of owner occupier respondents “fairly” or “very likely” to install ASHP next time they need to change their heating system

Source:

BEIS (2022) – UK Winter 2022 Public Attitudes Tracker, representative sample 2.7k

Evidence:

• 34% of respondents with control over the decision are fairly or very likely to install clean heating in the next 5 years
• 44% of respondents with control over the decision are not very or not at all likely to install clean heating in the next 5 years

Source:

ClimateXChange (2023) – representative sample, Scotland 1.6k

Evidence:

• 37% of respondents plan to install a renewable heating system in their home in the future 
• 37% of respondents do not have nor intend to install a renewable heating system in the future

Source:

Scottish Government (2022) – Scotland survey, representative sample, 1.7k

Evidence:

• 28% of people who are aware and understand clean heating technologies are likely to consider installing one (vs 20% for the overall sample)

Source:

Energy Saving Trust (2021) –  Scotland survey, base sample 1k